Updates from the Economic Nowcast across Great Britain

The Economic Nowcast uses near-real-time financial data, and offers an early view of how account holders are really coping. The current Nowcast figures provide policymakers, analysts and public sector organisations with near-real time insight into key economic wellbeing indicators.

The Economic Nowcast has been updated with data to the 11th of January and brings the impact of the holiday season with it.

At a glance:

• Living Beyond Means: 10.3% (0.4% increase)
• Average Weekly Income: £346.17 (1.32% decrease)
• Small business productivity: £11,135 (0.598% increase)

Living Beyond Means

After a steady decline over the past six months, the proportion of people living beyond their means in Great Britain has increased by 0.4 percentage points to 10.3%. This reverses the downward trend seen in previous months, where the figure had fallen to 9.9%. The increase may be showing the effects and financial impact of Christmas and holiday spending. Regionally, England, and Wales both saw slight increases in account holders living beyond their means, with England increasing by 0.5% and Wales by 0.8%, while Scotland remained at 9.9% with no change from the previous month.

Average Weekly Income

The Average Weekly Income in Great Britain has also seen a change in trend. After consistently climbing, with a 14.6% increase over the past six months, the average weekly income has decreased by 1.32% to £346.17. This decline is a shift from the previously seen 3.01% month-on-month increase, where the average weekly income had risen to £350.97. 

Regionally, England, Scotland, and Wales have all seen declines in the previous month, with England recording the sharpest fall at -1.1%, and Scotland and Wales seeing a smaller decrease of -0.90%.

Small Business Productivity

The latest Sage quarterly report has been released which shows that there has been an 0.6% increase in Small Business Productivity since Q3 2025, bringing it to £11,135. Measured in revenue in real terms generated per employee of small businesses, this is calculated quarterly, and the current figure refers to Q4 2025. This increase is a positive sign for the small business sector, which is a crucial component of Great Britain's economy.

For information on the report, read our deep dive and download the full report yourself here.